Ascent Trip Report

I did this climb in 2 days all as per this one TR.

DAY #1 (Yesterday)Luckily I was able to get my wilderness permit day-before-yesterday, at the ranger info center in Lone Pine, CA. They also gave you a bear canister and a waste bag (wagbag) - new experience for me. Rose and I later found a campsite at Whitney Portal campground (elev 8,300 ft).Rose will stay back at the campground.8h00 - I left TH at Whitney Portal, I weighed in at 55 lbs. I followed the well defined trail up the valley, taking numerous granny breaks and stops. I was in no hurry. The trail is moderate and fairly smooth to lone pine lake, after which it gets rocky with some big steps and zig-zags.14h15 - Arrived Trail Camp and found a site, about 10 groups in for the night. Got water at top end of the nearby pond. The massive Whitney ridge looming over the camp. A ranger stopped in to check out everyone - gave us a policy speech. I used the "wagbag" for the first time ! ! It will be different the next time ? ?. I readied my gear for my early start. Crashed at 19h00 hrs, nice clear evening.I climbed 6.2 miles with a 3700 foot ascent.

DAY #2 Today (SUMMIT DAY, USA HP #47) 5h30 hours - I left with a headlamp, under clear skies and a light breeze. It would turn out to be a perfect hiking day, sun and warm. I counted 96 switchbacks to trail crest, some of which were short. Rocky trail with steps, all the way up to the summit, tough going, mostly due to altitude !!! lots of huffing and puffing !!! granny breaks. A number of people on the trail.9h15 - Mt Whitney awesome summit, and an awesome mountain, #47 and only two to go (MT,HI) ! ! all rocks, a vertical face on the east side ! ! Huge panorama. USG markers on 5 different huge slabs of rock ! ! Why ? Stone hut from 1909. Chatted with a number of hikers, this is a very popular place - yesterday (a Tuesday) about 90 people signed the summit register.I descended/backtracked to Trail Camp, packed up my gear, and continued down on yesterday's route to Whitney Portal TH (16h45 hrs). Rose happy to see me, we will overnight here for more 2 nights, before moving on to Death Valley.

"ITS CHOICE ....NOT CHANCE .... THAT DETERMINES YOUR DESTINY"

"ROSE ..... YOU ARE LIKE THE LEAF OF AN ASPEN TREE ..... DANCING IN THE WIND LIKE NO OTHER."